Planning welcomes new faces, bids farewell to old

Ridgecrest's Planning Commission kicked off its first meeting of the year with the swearing-in of its new members and a brief thank you and goodbye to its outgoing commissioners.Ricca Charlon, Ridgecrest's Administrative Secretary and planning commission secretary, administered the swearing-in for four of the city's new c...

Commissioner Chris LeCornu is the lone remaining commissioner to carry over a second term after being reappointed by Vice Mayor Chip Holloway.

LeCornu will serve as the commission's new chairman while Morgan, who spent two years on the Planning Commission prior to serving 16 years as city councilman, will serve as its vice chair.

The new commission heard two discussion items, one regarding chickens and the city's zoning. The second was a discussion item on reclassifying and rezoning a property owned by Sally Peterson.

City Planner Matthew Alexander noted that the property, located at 828 Balsam Street, was currently considered unzoned, in addition to an adjacent lot not owned by Peterson.

Additionally, the city's general plan classifies it as a commercial area.

"The upper portions of Balsam are very mixed in terms of land use," Alexander told the commission.

Alexander said it was unclear why the properties were not zoned for any use.

"It's been this way on the map for numerous years now," Alexander said, citing it would be appropriate to classify the properties.

Alexander also indicated a second reason for the discussion item.

"If Ms. Peterson has to file the application on her own, it would cost her $5,200 for rezoning and general plan amendment applications," he said. "If on the other hand the planning commission directs staff to initiate the public hearing proceedings for rezoning and general plan amendments, then staff would simply ask her for the cost of public notices in the newspaper and 300 mail-outs."

The public hearing would include both Peterson's property and the property near it once its owner was contacted.

Alexander recommended the property be reclassified as multi-residential given that there were two dwellings on it.

All five commissioners agreed with the need for a public hearing.

"I believe we should direct staff to call a public meeting, saving the costs to the property owner," Morgan said, indicating that an R-2, or multi-dwelling zoning district, would not be a problem.

LeCornu agreed with the assessment.

Davis agreed, stating he had an opportunity to drive by the property and that an R-2 classification would be a good fit.

Brokke and OBergfell concurred.

During commissioner comments, Morgan indicated the city council may have the commission tackle an additional item.

"The Ridgecrest city council has tasked us with a review of certain portions of the municipal code as an additional duty," Morgan said. He indicated that while he had a fair idea of the direction the council had, it would be best to gain more insight either through staff or from the mayor.

"I believe that this is something that will not only greatly educate us, but it will be a great financial burden off the city if we can perform this duty and update and correct some of the code," Morgan said.

Page 2 of 2 - The committee adjourned the meeting, with a special meeting to be called noon at Kerr McGee Center on Feb. 1 for a presentation from Kern County Planning Director Lorelei Oviatt. The next regular Commission meeting is slated for Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.